Russian River Resort – Cloverdale, a family favorite

September 9, 2009

Heidi and Tim were here for around three weeks, so we’ve been busy. They were here for Jen and Fermin’s wedding, but now they’re back home and I’m sad. . . so, to make me happy, we headed to one of our favorite spots, Russian River Resort in Cloverdale. I downloaded a new program to do my Camping Adventure and am very anxious to use it.

We ordered a Satellite dome for our new DirecTV from Allied Trailer and it arrived today. It was way over my budget, but what isn’t? It was a snap to set up in the RV and we have great TV reception.

September 10, 2009

Our favorite spot, #3, at the campground was occupied, so we settled for a spot in the B section. It had no picnic table area so we moved this morning to C69. This is our first time in the C section, and it’s very nice.

After our move and breakfast, we headed to town to pick up a phone charger, I forgot mine, and a few other things.

We took Hattie to the river for a swim, this time we joined her. I took my swim noodle and she wanted to “fetch” it. We had so much fun. It is very hot, so the river felt so good.

September 11, 2009

We ventured out to Boonville today. The last time we did this the road made me sick so I wasn’t real keen on the idea. Either the roads got straighter or my stomach stronger, in any case, it was a nice drive. We had lunch at a cafe in Boonville. The town used to be a huge apple growing area, but the wineries and vineyards have taken over. We did stop at one family run orchard called the Apple Farm. We bought some just squeezed apple juice and some apples.

On our way home, along highway 128, I saw from the corner of my eye and building-in-progress Lone Oak Winery. I said to Carl “I think that’s Larry Ratto’s winery, turn around”. So he did and it was! It is being built by Kenny, Larry’s nephew and will be open in a year. I said to be sure to put us on the invitation list and we will be there. We always think we should see Larry when we’re up in Cloverdale and this is the closest we’ve gotten!

When we got back to the RV we saw another two RVers stressing out trying to set up their Dish. Am I ever glad we got the expensive state of the art one. A guy across the way has been working on his for three days. That would be THREE DAYS without HGTV! Yee Gads!

Hattie is still limping so we try to keep her frolicking down to a minimum, but when she sees the river, there’s no stopping her. Carl and I took her swimming and played “puppy in the middle”, making her swim from me to Carl and back trying to get her stick. Maybe not the best thing for her leg.

We’ve been using the campground showers and I put my toiletries in my plastic Australia bag. While we were at a little shop in Boonsville, I saw a cute canvas bag and I said to myself, that would be great for the shower. It can get wet and would dry in no time. Well, being the frugal person that I am, I decided to make my own. I had a real large kitchen towel from South Dakota, not user friendly, so I used that to make a breathable shower bag. I got out my "as seen on TV” sewing machine and whipped it up. I just can’t wait to shower tomorrow.

September 12, 2009

Well, my new shower bag worked just fine. We decided not to take Hattie swimming today so hopefully, her leg will get better.

We went to the pot-luck luncheon at the clubhouse. It was very nice, although not well attended. We sat with a nice couple, Ray and Pat. That’s why I like to go to these events.

I started to vacuum before Julie and Chris got here and noticed the vacuum, the old green one, was doing a lousy job;well, the belt broke on it. I guess it’s seen better days. Maybe it’s a sign to get a new one!

Julie and Chris arrived at 3ish for a visit. We were planning on going to the classic car show in Cloverdale but opted for chatting and a walk around the park. We went to dinner at the Hamburger Ranch and Pasta Farm. We had such a nice visit.

September 13, 2009

We woke to cool, overcast skies this morning a drastic difference from the earlier part of the week. I only hope I have proper clothes to wear.

There was a pancake breakfast this morning, but I slept way to late, so we settled for cereal. After breakfast we headed to Walmart in Ukiah. I finally broke Carl down and bought a new vacuum cleaner. When we got back to the RV, I put it together and vacuumed my heart out. It works great!

There was a ice cream “social” at the wagon so we stopped by. Nothing to shout about.

Pat and Ray, who we met at the pot-luck, dropped by with a bottle of wine and a platter of cheese and crackers. We had such a nice time chatting, then we headed to Sho-ko-wah Casino in Hopland for their $4.95 prime rib dinner. It was very good, especially for the price. Carl and I each got a players card and had $20 worth of play, which I flushed down the slot machine in record time.

September 14, 2009

After breakfast and a brief visit with Pat and Ray we headed for the upscale town of Healdsburg. It’s a little to upscale for me, I’m more of a Walmart/Kohl type person, but it’s fun to look. We did stop at a deli where they had samples of jams and relishes. We sampled some peach-chipotle chutney, and I think we can save the peach jam we made with a little chipotle added. We’ll seeThe weather is nice and warm today so we took Hattie for a swim at the river. Once there, we decided to keep her out of the water so maybe her leg would heal. She stayed out, well, except for her paws.

Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Today we ventured to the Ferrari Winery in Healdsburg. We heard from one of the campers here that the gardens on the grounds were beautiful and they were! We found this little frog that still had part of his tadpole tail. How cute is that?

The rest of the day we basically hung around the campground, relaxing in the warm Sonoma County sunshine, walking about the grounds with no particular place to go.
I worked on Annick’s birthday card on my Printshop program. It’s so cute. I can’t wait to print it.

Wednesday, September 16, 2009
The dark tank was full this morning, so, one day before leaving we had to unhook and go to the dump station. Oh well, we knew it would happen sooner or later.
I love my new vacuum cleaner. It really sucks up the pet hair. I don’t know how we could breathe before.
We took Hattie for a swim at the river, us joining in. I spotted a lone crawdad in the water; winner! Glad my toes weren’t in the river.
We’ve been collaring Chado and bringing him outside. He just loves it. We just have to say “wanna go out?” and he’s right there, and we give him treats. We stayed at the campground all day, listening to my MP3 outside. I just love that, and there’s no one around, so I can blast it, sing along and even dance with Carl, he’s always begging.
I went to the lodge to check my email and do a few things that required internet connection. The wifi here is slow so I’ll do whatever it is at home!

Thursday, September 17, 2009
Today is our going home day. I have Bonko tomorrow and Annick’s birthday party on Saturday and of course, I have to get back to the gym. Yee gads!

The End

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